Spain repatriates over 48,000 migrants from Ceuta after mass border breach
More than 48,000 people who entered the Spanish enclave of Ceuta were returned to Morocco following a surge in crossings that left dozens dead and prompted a large security response.
Spain's interior ministry reported that by Friday evening about 48,300 migrants who had entered the enclave of Ceuta were sent back to Morocco, after an estimated 50,000 arrivals since Thursday morning. Local authorities in Ceuta said the death toll rose to at least 57, with several fatalities occurring as people attempted to swim across the breakwater.
Ceuta, a Spanish territory on Morocco's Mediterranean coast, shares the European Union's only land borders with Africa. Most of those trying to cross were Moroccan nationals. The surge was linked by officials to a recent Spanish Supreme Court ruling that limits the ability to turn away migrants arriving by sea.
Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government would increase physical barriers, deploy additional troops, and accelerate a legislative framework to expedite the repatriation of irregular migrants. He also accused organized human-trafficking networks of exploiting the court decision.
Local union leader Rachid Sbihi described the situation as a humanitarian crisis, noting that thousands of migrants, including unaccompanied children, were sleeping in public spaces. Moroccan ambassador Karima Benyaich said the influx occurred without the Moroccan government's consent and reiterated Morocco's preference for orderly migration.
The incident prompted reactions from European leaders, with calls for stricter border controls and criticism of the images emerging from Ceuta. The Spanish military, coast guard, and police maintained a heightened presence throughout the enclave as the situation was brought under control.